Former NHRA Vice President, Division Director and announcer Bernie Partridge passed away Thursday, April 12, 2012. He was 79 years old. Spanning a career that dates back to the early 1950’s, he was a key member of the NHRA staff for better than 30 years. He often corresponded with Firebird general manager Bill New on a variety of topics. “Bernie came to Firebird a number of times to both announce and train new directors for the NHRA Northwest Division,” mentioned Bill New, “I can remember he was at the World Championship Series Meet when James Warren brought the Rain for Rent Top Fuel car to Firebird. It was a real historic event, and Partridge did a masterful job of calling the play-by-play at the NHRA Point’s meet. ” Scott New, Firebird’s Director of Racing, worked closely with Bernie (pictured above working in the Firebird tower in the 70’s) as part of the NHRA announcing team, which included Dave McClelland, Bob Frey, and Richard Schroeder, at national events during his final years with the NHRA (1987 – 1989). Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, P.J. He will certainly be missed.